On October 26th local MPP John Yakabuski met with the volunteers of the Killaloe Craft and Community Fair to hear more about the $12,400 Capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that was used to build a new stage. This will provide a covered and accessible outdoor space for hosting performers at community events. Above from left: Dave Ryan, Tammy Lewis, Tanya Lyons, Frank Tettemer, MPP John Yakabuski, Tao Organ, Gus Zylstra, Bil Smith, Taisha Levy, Laura Organ. (Photo: Laura Anderson)
“I’m pleased to learn the Killaloe Craft and Community Fair received an Ontario Trillium
Foundation Capital grant in the amount of $12,400,” said John Yakabuski, MPP for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke. “The Killaloe Community Fair is an ongoing celebration in the local cultural landscape, and this is reflected the many events and activities year-round. These funds are helping to update the facility’s stage and ensure that the parking lot is more accessible for all. My congratulations to all involved from the Killaloe Craft and Community Fair in submitting this successful application, and to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their continued support,” added Yakabuski.
The project will provide a safe and functional space that is necessary to both maintain the Fair’s current activities, as well as return the community festival to its former variety of programming. It will also become the central performance space on the site, opening up the possibility of more community events through the year. This will benefit the local community by offering continued and improved functionality of this space as well as the expanded programming the Fair will be able to offer.
“We have been able to accomplish a project that has been essential in the expansion and
rejuvenation of our community events, thanks to this Ontario grant,” said Chelsea Stevenson, Killaloe Craft and Community Fair board member. “This grant will help continue the fostering of ongoing creative projects and bolster our many local (and Ontario-wide) talent, with accessibility for all.”
Everything from children’s activities, music, theatre and workshops will take place in this space, bringing art and culture as well as local history and education to our intergenerational event and community space. Not only benefiting our community, but also local businesses as well by attracting tourists with our enriched programming.
“Whether it’s helping people learn new things, connect with their community, or simply have fun, organizations like Killaloe Craft and Community Fair deliver experiences that make a difference,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “That’s why grant
support through the Ontario Trillium Foundation is so important. This funding will help ensure they remain at the heart of the community for decades to come.”
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
Organ,T.,Killaloe Craft and Community Fair(2024,Oct.26) $12,400 OTF Grant From Ontario Government Boosts Community [media release]
